Ways to Relieve a Neck Spasm
A neck spasm can be an annoying and painful thing. Spasms (often referred to as cramps or Charlie horses) are involuntary tiny contractions of the muscle caused by the firing of neurons. For some reason beyond the person’s control, their brain sends electronic impulses that cause the neurons to fire and create unexpected and involuntary contractions. Fortunately most cases of neck spasm are relatively easy to treat, but some prolonged or serious cases of spasms of the neck could be a sign of a more dangerous condition.
It is usually easy to tell if one is experiencing a neck spasm. The patient may feel stiffness, aching, twitching, the pins and needles feeling, cramping, tenderness of the muscle, tension and pain in the neck region. Headaches are often the result of neck cramps as well. Muscle contractions in the neck may cause the muscle to move the head awkwardly or create severe pain in the head, neck and shoulders. There are many causes of muscle spasms in the neck including: stress, anxiety, injury, posture, fatigue, excessive use, sprain and strains of the muscles. Simply sleeping incorrectly can cause a neck spasm sometimes. Usually these symptoms can be treated at home or with a visit to a doctor’s office.
In serious cases, long term or chronic spasms may indicate a more serious problem. Injury to the neck and spine region can be extremely serious. Spinal injuries and even whiplash injuries can have effects on the muscles surrounding the neck, causing them to spasm. Herniated discs in the spinal portion of the neck may also be a cause for spasms of the neck. This involves a slipping of the protective discs within the spine and can be difficult to treat. Osteornylitis is an inflammation of the bone caused by bacteria. It can appear from another source of the body and can travel to other bones, such as the neck bones, where it can cause muscle contractions and pain. It needs to be treated immediately. Certain viral infections can also cause stiffness and spasms in muscles all over the body. There is also a condition called Spasmodic Torticollis (also called cervical dystonia) which is a neurological movement disorder. It too can cause involuntary muscle contractions and movement of the neck. These conditions are all serious and may require the assistance and diagnosis of a doctor.
There are many ways to treat neck spasms. Simple techniques to relax and calm the muscles such as stretching and massage can relieve the spasms and reduce pain. Heat or ice therapies can also be successful in stopping spasms. With heat or ice therapies it is best to keep the compress on for about 20 minutes about 3 times a day. Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers are available over the counter and can also help with spasms. Examples of these may include: Advil, Tylenol, and Alieve. Always follow the dose instructions of these medications. In severe cases your doctor may prescript heavy duty muscle relaxers, or injections of cortisone or anesthetics. Some chronic cases may require the help of a physical therapist or chiropractor.
Simple lifestyle alterations can also help alleviate or prevent neck spasms. It is a good idea to work on your posture often, keeping your shoulders back and the head up to prevent cramps. Stretching often can help too. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise often. Look into the underlying causes of cramps of the neck such as stress, anxiety or poor sleep and attempt to treat them. Even your pillow can cause neck pain. Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods of time and take breaks often to stretch and move the neck muscles.
Neck spasms can affect just about anyone for a variety of reasons, but in most cases they are easily treatable and even avoidable.